Different Types of Dental Fillings and What to Expect
Many people with cavities feel uncomfortable while chewing food. A dental cavity is caused by bacteria in your mouth that accumulate as a result of taking drinks with too much sugar, eating snacks, and not cleaning the teeth well. Cavities don’t go away on their own hence you should get a filling before the cavity grows in size. The definition of a dental filling and its types is discussed below.
What’s a Dental Filling?
A tooth filling is a procedure where the dentist removes the decayed part of a tooth and fills it with a replacing material. The filling helps the teeth to get back to their normal function and appearance. Dental fillings are made up of metals, plastics, and glass. The fillings also play a great role in preventing the tooth from further damage. It’s a common procedure since its straight forward and simple.
If you have a cavity and wish to maintain your oral health, visit a dentist near you for a dental filling. At Chaska Town Dental, we have all types of dental fillings you need. Book with us today for top-notch oral care services.
Types of Dental Fillings
Even though there are many types of dental fillings, different factors will determine the kind of dental filling you’ll get. Such factors include your preference, cost of the filling, the extent of the repair, and location of the cavity. Visit our dentist in Chaska to get the following types of dental fillings:
- Amalgam fillings: These materials are the most used by dental professionals. They are strong, resistant to wear and tear, and least expensive. Due to their strong feature, the fillings are used in the back of the mouth, especially molars where the chewing takes place. They can last up to 12 years. However, they can be noticeable when you laugh. This effect is due to the different metallic elements that make the amalgam filling. Therefore, they are not the best choice if you need a filling in your front teeth.
- Gold filling: This filling is the most expensive. It requires as many visits to your dentist as possible to get the filling fitted properly. Many people prefer having the gold appearance to an amalgam filling. The gold fillings are durable. They are also strong and are not damaged easily.
- Composite filling: They are also called filled resins. These fillings are a combination of resins and plastic material. They match with the color of your teeth; hence mostly preferred. Composite fillings are fairly durable and perform better in small restorations. The fillings are best in the area that is subjected to less chewing in the mouth.
- Ceramic fillings: Usually referred to as Inlays and Onlays. Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. The fillings are tooth-colored and withstand stains over time more than a composite filling. They are relatively as expensive as a gold filling.
- Glass Ionomer filling: The glass and acrylic blend releases fluoride that helps to protect the teeth. These filings are suitable for children whose teeth are still shedding off. Glass ionomer fillings are weaker and less durable.
What to Expect During the Filling Procedure?
You can get a dental filling near you at your dentist’s office if you need one. During the process, your dentist will first numb the area where the filling is being done. This is to prevent pain during the procedure. Next, your dentist will use a drill to remove the decayed part. Then the dentist will prepare the space by cleaning the cavity and shaping the area for filling preparations. The dentist will then fill the space with the fillings of your choice and will clean and polish it afterward.
After the procedure, you might experience some increased sensation in your mouth. The sensation should last for few hours and then fade away. If it prolongs, you should visit a dentist near you for a checkup.
How Do I Maintain my Dental Fillings?
If you get your dental fillings in Chaska, our dentist will give you tips on maintaining your dental fillings. Some of the tips include:
- Avoiding too hot and cold foods and beverages
- Always brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily
- Avoiding chewy and sticky foods